Once upon a time the Taino Peoples of the Americas were the ancestral owners of the Dominican Republic. Unfortunately, this would not be so after the conquering Europeans arrived in their great numbers after the discovery of the island by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

Once upon a time the Taino Peoples of the Americas were the ancestral owners of the Dominican Republic. Unfortunately, this would not be so after the conquering Europeans arrived in their great numbers after the discovery of the island by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

The country would host the first permanent European settlement at a place known as Santo Domingo (today's capital of Dominican Republic). Until its independence from Spain in 1821, the country was known as Santo Domingo. The residents of the country were referred to as the 'Dominicanos', hence the name Dominican Republic.

Note that the country is also referred to as 'Quisqueyanos'. The name is derived from the Taino tongue and is translated to mean 'Mother of all Lands'. This name has been used severally in the national anthem.

Dominican Republic is the most visited country in the Caribbean. Find out why by visiting.